BENTON COUNTY, Oregon — At 4,097 feet, Marys Peak is the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and Cascade volcanoes to the east.
"For people who want something a little different than the ocean, they can come out here,” said Matt Ramich, U.S. Forest Service district recreation program manager with the Siuslaw National Forest.
You can hike, bike, and camp in the Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Area. A paved road will take you almost all the way to the summit. Bike trails are open from May 15 through October 15. The Forest Service and partner agencies are using the off season to preserve and restore the area’s beauty.
"We have a user-made trail that people have been creating just to get to the east summit,” Ramich said. “We want them to use the designated trails instead, to prevent erosion and invasive species from spreading."
It takes just a couple months for hikers to trample meadows and give way to invasive species. A delicate ecosystem because of the elevation, Marys Peak boasts a rock garden with an explosion of beautiful wildflower in the warmer months.
Starting in October, the unofficial trail will be fenced off to allow for restoration of the native plants. Work will tentatively continue into the spring.
“We want the area to be as natural as possible. By keeping people off those areas, we can focus on places that need more help,” said Ramich.
There is a $5 day use fee to park at Marys Peak, and Ramich also implored visitors to practice ‘leave no trace’ principles by packing out their trash. The area sees high usage due to it’s proximity to Corvallis and I-5.
It’s not unusual for the weather to change quickly at this elevation, including surprise snowfall. Even though the summit of Marys Peak is a relatively short half-mile hike from the parking area, don’t forget to do your research before you go and be prepared for all conditions.